Are all RCI points equal?

Hi, I've read that all RCI Points are equal, so I'm wondering if anyone can explain why some points resort are more expensive than others. I was at a presentation for the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, and they were selling their 20,000 points package for roughly around the $15,000, while when I do online comparison, I found a 30,000 point resale list for $4,000, at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and many others with quite high annual points for significantly much less.

At the presentation, they pushed a VIP package that from what I recalled, offered certain benefits like purchasing flex points at a penny per point, the ability to borrow points from the next year, and carry forward points that are unused. Are these exclusive to Banff Gate, or does everyone who has a RCI points account have this ability.

Also, does owning a membership with a points resort give you access to the RCI website?

markt139 wrote:

Hi, I've read that all RCI Points are equal, so I'm wondering if anyone can explain why some points resort are more expensive than others. I was at a presentation for the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, and they were selling their 20,000 points package for roughly around the $15,000, while when I do online comparison, I found a 30,000 point resale list for $4,000, at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and many others with quite high annual points for significantly much less.

At the presentation, they pushed a VIP package that from what I recalled, offered certain benefits like purchasing flex points at a penny per point, the ability to borrow points from the next year, and carry forward points that are unused. Are these exclusive to Banff Gate, or does everyone who has a RCI points account have this ability.

Also, does owning a membership with a points resort give you access to the RCI website?

----------- First, as you've probably read in this (and other) forums, buying directly from the resort is the most expensive way to buy a timeshare so there is no comparison between buying from a developer and a resale...go with the resale. Regarding RCI points. All RCI points are equal as it pertains to exchanges. Every points resort has a value assigned based on several factors, size, location, quality, season, etc. In my opinion, purchase price has little to do with the amount of points assigned by RCI. Also factor in the maintenance fees as part of the overall cost. Go to rci.com and select the Resort Directory tab (you don't need to be a member) and look at some of the RCI points resorts for comparison. For example, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort has a points range from 6,500 to 79,000 based on unit size and season. I did not see any reference to Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, though I did see a report on ripoffreport.com about this place. I don't know the details about the VIP package, but as part of an RCI membership (any resort, points or weeks), you can buy points at .02 per point. You can borrow against next year's and carry over one year's worth of points. Be advised RCI charges fees for all transactions, though I've found fees for points resorts a bit cheaper than for weeks resort transactions. Again go to rci.com, The Answer Place tab and search for "rental points" as well as "transaction fees" I recently bought at a points resort, and I tried to find the most points for the lowest maintenance fees (61000 pts, < $300/yr MF). Be sure to either purchase a package that has enough points to use at the time and place of your chosing. Two or three bedroom units in prime locations and prime seasons can be upwards of 70,000 to 100,000 points for exhange. Developers will also tout the virtues of Last Call vacations and 9000 point exchanges. These can be good deals, but you will probably be VERY limited in availabilities. Exchanges into other points resorts can only be made 10 months in advance. A points resort owner can also exchange into a weeks resort 2 years in advance, but he would need to have the correct amount of points in his account at the time of exchange. Sorry this got a bit lengthy, but the RCI points program can be confusing at first glance, but it's pretty basic after you get used to the system. While I'm not an expert, I believe I can give you the ins & outs of RCI points. Feel free to contact me at mgnacn1@yahoo.com if you have any other questions. I'd be glad to elaborate on this topic. Good Luck, Mike

markt139 wrote:

Hi, I've read that all RCI Points are equal, so I'm wondering if anyone can explain why some points resort are more expensive than others. I was at a presentation for the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, and they were selling their 20,000 points package for roughly around the $15,000, while when I do online comparison, I found a 30,000 point resale list for $4,000, at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and many others with quite high annual points for significantly much l At the presentation, they pushed a VIP package that from what I recalled, offered certain benefits like purchasing flex points at a penny per point, the ability to borrow points from the next year, and carry forward points that are unused. Are these exclusive to Banff Gate, or does everyone who has a RCI points account have this ability.

Also, does owning a membership with a points resort give you access to the RCI website?

========= If you are not yet an owner at an RCI POINTS resort, be aware that those who are may NOT rent out either their home resort time or the exchanges they make through this program. If your intention is to use the vacation time yourself of truly gift it to friends and family, that is fine, but don't go into RCI POINTS with any expectation of profiting from rentals. That is not permitted. MD

mike1536 wrote:

All RCI points are equal as it pertains to exchanges. Every points resort has a value assigned based on several factors, size, location, quality, season, etc. In my opinion, purchase price has little to do with the amount of points assigned by RCI. ... Go to rci.com and select the Resort Directory tab (you don't need to be a member) and look at some of the RCI points resorts for comparison. For example, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort has a points range from 6,500 to 79,000 based on unit size and season.

Is it true that a non-member can see these point break downs on a property? When I go to Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, all I see is "Red", "White", and "Blue" weeks (very patriotic!) - nothing at all about point values.

Speaking to RCI customer service reps on the telephone, one told me that I COULD see the point values on their website, and when I called back in confusion, the second rep told me I ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT. He implied that if I was not a dues-paying RCI points member, I ought to stop wasting his time, go stick my head in a toilet, and flush it repeatedly.

If anyone knows a way for me to actually see what an RCI point is worth, please let me know! In fact, I think I will start a whole new thread devoted to the topic.

Thanks! MF

You used to be able to do what mike1536 says but I tried it today and it simply doesn't work any more. They're getting very secretive.

mackf4 wrote:

mike1536 wrote:

All RCI points are equal as it pertains to exchanges. Every points resort has a value assigned based on several factors, size, location, quality, season, etc. In my opinion, purchase price has little to do with the amount of points assigned by RCI. ... Go to rci.com and select the Resort Directory tab (you don't need to be a member) and look at some of the RCI points resorts for comparison. For example, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort has a points range from 6,500 to 79,000 based on unit size and season.

Is it true that a non-member can see these point break downs on a property? When I go to Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, all I see is "Red", "White", and "Blue" weeks (very patriotic!) - nothing at all about point values.

Speaking to RCI customer service reps on the telephone, one told me that I COULD see the point values on their website, and when I called back in confusion, the second rep told me I ABSOLUTELY COULD NOT. He implied that if I was not a dues-paying RCI points member, I ought to stop wasting his time, go stick my head in a toilet, and flush it repeatedly.

If anyone knows a way for me to actually see what an RCI point is worth, please let me know! In fact, I think I will start a whole new thread devoted to the topic.

Thanks! MF

========= I asked a rep about listing the points and she said," they hoped to be getting that feature back in the near future". And yea, I have swamp land in Florida I can sell you as well. The only way to get the points now is to go through the motions of booking an exchange and see the point value of the units. So, doing that I found that a 2 bedroom at Paradise Canyon in June is worth 76,500 points and only 19,000 in November. See my response in your other thread. Mike

Here is the reply I just received from a "Customer Communications Specialist" to the email I sent RCI (posted above):

Paraphrased - "We apologize that you weren't satisfied with our customer service ... yadda, yadda, yadda ... we always have supervisers available, we don't know why you were denied the privilege of speaking to one ... yadda, yadda, yadda ... feedback like yours helps us to improve, etc, etc ..."

Direct quote - "The information on the point values of resorts is available online. Using the Resort Directory tab, choose a location and browse the resortswithin it. Select a resort showing the RCI Points logo. On the Resort Information page scroll down to the "See RCI Points Value" link. It will show the information you desire. If a resort is not an RCI Points resort, there will be no link and no information would be available."

Yeah, this is not accurate information. I think I'll write back and point this out to my "Customer Communication Specialist". Maybe she'll send out a memo to get everybody in the company on the same page?

MackF

Re: >> Maybe she'll send out a memo to get everybody in the company on the same page? << =====================================

Ahh, the refreshing naivete of a RCI neophyte......

I've been a RCI member for over two decades and I can tell you with the certainty of the sun rising that "it ain't gonna happen"......

In recent years, I've maintained my RCI membership mostly for the sheer entertainment of seeing what they can possibly screw up next, and how badly. Their entire computer operation borders on dysfunctional, most of the time. The VC's on the phone are ill informed and/or flat out mistaken, most of the time. Fees to exchange, deposit, search, rollover are steadily on the rise --- ALL of the time. I don't know what else to tell you except to suggest --- smile, try to enjoy the ride, and maintain very low expectations......

Here what my home resort (South Beach Resort- Myrtle Beach,SC) did & I learned something. When I bought in July 2007 a 3 week , 2 bed/2 bath, during Tee season, it came with 199,500 points and a guarantee that I will always have use there for the same time/season. This was 66,500 points per week. In 2007 I went to book via RCI website and saw it now took 75,000 point for my week of use! I called South Beach and they said due to the increased popularity of their resort (demand) they now charge more points BUT they bank that difference in my yearly account to compensate me! So I now have 225,000 annual points instead of 199,500 to work with not only there but at any resort they have assess to. Incredibly, I just came back from booking at the Imperial in Waikiki (a 1 bedroom/2 bath) for 35,000 point for 1 week! Ofcource, RCI charged me $169 exchange fee... but well worth it!

mike1536 wrote:

markt139 wrote:

Hi, I've read that all RCI Points are equal, so I'm wondering if anyone can explain why some points resort are more expensive than others. I was at a presentation for the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, and they were selling their 20,000 points package for roughly around the $15,000, while when I do online comparison, I found a 30,000 point resale list for $4,000, at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and many others with quite high annual points for significantly much less.

At the presentation, they pushed a VIP package that from what I recalled, offered certain benefits like purchasing flex points at a penny per point, the ability to borrow points from the next year, and carry forward points that are unused. Are these exclusive to Banff Gate, or does everyone who has a RCI points account have this ability.

Also, does owning a membership with a points resort give you access to the RCI website?

----------- First, as you've probably read in this (and other) forums, buying directly from the resort is the most expensive way to buy a timeshare so there is no comparison between buying from a developer and a resale...go with the resale. Regarding RCI points. All RCI points are equal as it pertains to exchanges. Every points resort has a value assigned based on several factors, size, location, quality, season, etc. In my opinion, purchase price has little to do with the amount of points assigned by RCI. Also factor in the maintenance fees as part of the overall cost. Go to rci.com and select the Resort Directory tab (you don't need to be a member) and look at some of the RCI points resorts for comparison. For example, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort has a points range from 6,500 to 79,000 based on unit size and season. I did not see any reference to Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, though I did see a report on ripoffreport.com about this place. I don't know the details about the VIP package, but as part of an RCI membership (any resort, points or weeks), you can buy points at .02 per point. You can borrow against next year's and carry over one year's worth of points. Be advised RCI charges fees for all transactions, though I've found fees for points resorts a bit cheaper than for weeks resort transactions. Again go to rci.com, The Answer Place tab and search for "rental points" as well as "transaction fees" I recently bought at a points resort, and I tried to find the most points for the lowest maintenance fees (61000 pts, < $300/yr MF). Be sure to either purchase a package that has enough points to use at the time and place of your chosing. Two or three bedroom units in prime locations and prime seasons can be upwards of 70,000 to 100,000 points for exhange. Developers will also tout the virtues of Last Call vacations and 9000 point exchanges. These can be good deals, but you will probably be VERY limited in availabilities. Exchanges into other points resorts can only be made 10 months in advance. A points resort owner can also exchange into a weeks resort 2 years in advance, but he would need to have the correct amount of points in his account at the time of exchange. Sorry this got a bit lengthy, but the RCI points program can be confusing at first glance, but it's pretty basic after you get used to the system. While I'm not an expert, I believe I can give you the ins & outs of RCI points. Feel free to contact me at mgnacn1@yahoo.com if you have any other questions. I'd be glad to elaborate on this topic. Good Luck, Mike

Hi,

I am interested in buying RCI Points and am now investigating the best prices,options and the hidden costs etc.

Like you I believe that in essence it is about getting the most points for the lowest price and lowest maintenance fee. I also have a feeling that I need to be aware of the season (red preferably) and location of the home resort as I believe this has something to do with the trading power?

So can you let me know where is the best place to shop for RCI points with the lowest maintenance fees. If you have answers to the other concerns, please let me know.

Thanks.

paulc278 wrote:

mike1536 wrote:

markt139 wrote:

Hi, I've read that all RCI Points are equal, so I'm wondering if anyone can explain why some points resort are more expensive than others. I was at a presentation for the Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, and they were selling their 20,000 points package for roughly around the $15,000, while when I do online comparison, I found a 30,000 point resale list for $4,000, at the Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, and many others with quite high annual points for significantly much less.

At the presentation, they pushed a VIP package that from what I recalled, offered certain benefits like purchasing flex points at a penny per point, the ability to borrow points from the next year, and carry forward points that are unused. Are these exclusive to Banff Gate, or does everyone who has a RCI points account have this ability.

Also, does owning a membership with a points resort give you access to the RCI website?

----------- First, as you've probably read in this (and other) forums, buying directly from the resort is the most expensive way to buy a timeshare so there is no comparison between buying from a developer and a resale...go with the resale. Regarding RCI points. All RCI points are equal as it pertains to exchanges. Every points resort has a value assigned based on several factors, size, location, quality, season, etc. In my opinion, purchase price has little to do with the amount of points assigned by RCI. Also factor in the maintenance fees as part of the overall cost. Go to rci.com and select the Resort Directory tab (you don't need to be a member) and look at some of the RCI points resorts for comparison. For example, Paradise Canyon Golf Resort has a points range from 6,500 to 79,000 based on unit size and season. I did not see any reference to Banff Gate Mountain Lodge, though I did see a report on ripoffreport.com about this place. I don't know the details about the VIP package, but as part of an RCI membership (any resort, points or weeks), you can buy points at .02 per point. You can borrow against next year's and carry over one year's worth of points. Be advised RCI charges fees for all transactions, though I've found fees for points resorts a bit cheaper than for weeks resort transactions. Again go to rci.com, The Answer Place tab and search for "rental points" as well as "transaction fees" I recently bought at a points resort, and I tried to find the most points for the lowest maintenance fees (61000 pts, < $300/yr MF). Be sure to either purchase a package that has enough points to use at the time and place of your chosing. Two or three bedroom units in prime locations and prime seasons can be upwards of 70,000 to 100,000 points for exhange. Developers will also tout the virtues of Last Call vacations and 9000 point exchanges. These can be good deals, but you will probably be VERY limited in availabilities. Exchanges into other points resorts can only be made 10 months in advance. A points resort owner can also exchange into a weeks resort 2 years in advance, but he would need to have the correct amount of points in his account at the time of exchange. Sorry this got a bit lengthy, but the RCI points program can be confusing at first glance, but it's pretty basic after you get used to the system. While I'm not an expert, I believe I can give you the ins & outs of RCI points. Feel free to contact me at mgnacn1@yahoo.com if you have any other questions. I'd be glad to elaborate on this topic. Good Luck, Mike

Hi,

I am interested in buying RCI Points and am now investigating the best prices,options and the hidden costs etc.

Like you I believe that in essence it is about getting the most points for the lowest price and lowest maintenance fee. I also have a feeling that I need to be aware of the season (red preferably) and location of the home resort as I believe this has something to do with the trading power?

So can you let me know where is the best place to shop for RCI points with the lowest maintenance fees. If you have answers to the other concerns, please let me know.

Thanks.

================= In any system, with a points resort, trading power is reflected in the number of points you receive annually. If you purchase an off-peak week, you will receive fewer points than if you purchase high demand week. The number of points you want depends on the type of vacations you are looking to take. If you are happy with 1 BR units, 50,000 to 60,000 points will get you almost anywhere you want to go, though they might not always be Gold Crown resorts. Remember you can always buy or borrow points for the occasional time you need more points.

I started with eBay; do a search for RCI Points. If you are looking to just to use points for trade, then the resort doesn't matter. If buying on eBay, be sure to verify all the information that is in the ad. Many PCCs do not have the correct info (maintenance fees, etc) in their ad. Check the forums, here and on TUG, to see if owners of specific resorts can provide info such as special assessments which may be forthcoming. Check out www.timeshare-points.net. There are several RCI Points deals listed there. Some of these are a combination of an RCI Points resort and an RCI Weeks resort (you can deposit a Weeks unit into your Points account to obtain additional points). Contact Scott (info on the website). I do not work for him, but I have talked to him in the past. He can answer many of your questions. Another of his websites is www.tradingtime.net. Good Luck

If you do some searching on other timeshare sites (specifically, TUG, TS4MS, etc.), you will also discover a source which sells a 3 year lease product, one which has an annual allocation of RCI ponts (the actual amount of points is commensurate with the amount of maintenance fees paid). I'm not recommending (or advertising for) this particular source, with whom I have no affiliation whatsoever. Accordingly, I'm not going to provide any links or addresses here in this post. I can and will tell you, however, that the underlying resort on which the product itself is based is Club Trinidad, in California.

What seems (to me, anyhow) a bit unique about this particular RCI Points product is the "3 year lease" aspect. In essence, the defined term means that you have no actual ownership to sell if you're not satisfied with the points experience at the end of the 3 year period. You simply opt to not renew and just walk away. Again, this is NOT a recommendation, just an observation that there are a variety of available "flavors" of RCI Points products.

RCI Points system resorts do have some advantages when exchanging, but if you do not expect to use your points yourself each year, be aware that you cannot rent out your time to someone else as you can at most resorts which are not part of the RCI Points system. MD

adahiscout wrote:

RCI Points system resorts do have some advantages when exchanging, but if you do not expect to use your points yourself each year, be aware that you cannot rent out your time to someone else as you can at most resorts which are not part of the RCI Points system. MD

While the above is true, it should also be noted that if you don't expect to use those RCI points for timeshare use in the year of their issuance, those RCI points can also be "carried over" for use in the following year and /or can be applied toward airfare, car rentals, etc.

ken1193 wrote:

adahiscout wrote:

RCI Points system resorts do have some advantages when exchanging, but if you do not expect to use your points yourself each year, be aware that you cannot rent out your time to someone else as you can at most resorts which are not part of the RCI Points system. MD

While the above is true, it should also be noted that if you don't expect to use those RCI points for timeshare use in the year of their issuance, those RCI points can also be "carried over" for use in the following year and /or can be applied toward airfare, car rentals, etc.

=============== RCI has announced a program, which allows members to exchange their points for cash. It's not the best value ($300 for 35,000 pts) but it is still better than losing them.

mike1536 wrote:

RCI has announced a program, which allows members to exchange their points for cash. It's not the best value ($300 for 35,000 pts) but it is still better than losing them.

Hi Mike: Probably like you, I've now read through the announced introductory details of RCI's brand new "enhancements" in regard to RCI "Points Partners". I'm not sure that it's entirely correct to say that they actually offer "cash". Instead, it seems to me that what RCI Points is "offering" (without any member choice in the matter, maybe I should instead say "mandating") is a "pre-assigned dollar value discount" on airfares, rental cars, etc.

Doing some quick, preliminary math in comparing my own previous applications of RCI Points to airfares, etc., it seems to me that RCI has now basically cut the value of RCI Points to somewhere just under a penny per point (speaking ONLY to RCI Points Partners applications --- NOT timeshare use), whereas formerly their value in RCI Points Partners applications was probably closer to between 1.5 to 2 times that amount (at least in some specific airfares of my own use). Like most RCI "enhancements", this one is better for someone --- but certainly not for actual RCI Points members. That all said, you are absolutely right that getting SOME value out of unused or expiring RCI Points is certainly always better than just plain losing them....

ken1193 wrote:

mike1536 wrote:

RCI has announced a program, which allows members to exchange their points for cash. It's not the best value ($300 for 35,000 pts) but it is still better than losing them.

Hi Mike: Probably like you, I've now read through the announced introductory details of RCI's brand new "enhancements" in regard to RCI "Points Partners". I'm not sure that it's entirely correct to say that they actually offer "cash". Instead, it seems to me that what RCI Points is "offering" (without any member choice in the matter, maybe I should instead say "mandating") is a "pre-assigned dollar value discount" on airfares, rental cars, etc.

Doing some quick, preliminary math in comparing my own previous applications of RCI Points to airfares, etc., it seems to me that RCI has now basically cut the value of RCI Points to somewhere just under a penny per point (speaking ONLY to RCI Points Partners applications --- NOT timeshare use), whereas formerly their value in RCI Points Partners applications was probably closer to between 1.5 to 2 times that amount (at least in some specific airfares of my own use). Like most RCI "enhancements", this one is better for someone --- but certainly not for actual RCI Points members. That all said, you are absolutely right that getting SOME value out of unused or expiring RCI Points is certainly always better than just plain losing them....

============= Ken, "After further review" (sorry, too much NFL). You are correct. Thanks for catching it. Mike

mike1536 states: >> Ken, "After further review" (sorry, too much NFL). You are correct. Thanks for catching it. Mike<< ==================================================

Penalty is declined. First down --- NEW ENGLAND!!!

ken1193 wrote (I think)

"While the above is true, it should also be noted that if you don't expect to use those RCI points for timeshare use in the year of their issuance, those RCI points can also be "carried over" for use in the following year and /or can be applied toward airfare, car rentals, etc." ========== Ken, Are there any limitations on when you can ask to roll over RCI Points or what you can use "saved point" for? Is there a fee to do this? Expiration date? MD

adahiscout asks: >> Are there any limitations on when you can ask to roll over RCI Points or what you can use "saved point" for? Is there a fee to do this? Expiration date? ==================================================

RCI Points can be rolled over from one year to the next, but all such "rolled over" points MUST be used in that second year (or they just disappear) and cannot be further extended. Rolled over points can be used in exactly the same manner as current year points --- no difference there. If your question is "how far in advance before the points expire must they be "rolled over to the next year?", I honestly don't know (except that it must obviously be BEFORE one year from their actual annual issuance date (which is determined individually by date of initial purchase, not by "calendar year").

I can't claim to know the full range of potential "products" to which RCI Points can be applied, having never personally looked beyond applying them to airfare or car rentals (and timeshare use, of course). RCI Points may also be applicable toward cruises if booked directly through RCI Points, although I'm not certain (having no personal interest whatsoever in cruises).

Fees? Of course --- there is ALWAYS a fee to do virtually ANYTHING with or through RCI. There is a fee to roll over points from one year to the next (don't know fee amount, having not yet done this). There is also a fee to convert a week into "RCI Points for Deposit" as well.

Effective tomorrow (January 10, 2008) there will be changes to the value of RCI Points when used with RCI Points Partners. By my crude and preliminary math, for "Partners" applications, in these changes RCI has devalued RCI Points from about 1.7 cents to a bit less than one cent per point (about $.008, to be exact). Yet, RCI still charges TWO cents per point if you want to buy RCI Points from RCI. Typical of RCI "spinning", these changes are being heralded as.....drum roll here please......."Enhancements"!!! Nice racket. Good for RCI, bad for RCI Points members.